The
trend depicts the degree to which actual
performance has approached the target in
recent years.

Comments

•

NC,
along with the rest of the nation, is struggling
with excess weight.

•

Since
1994, the percent of adults who are classified as
obese has been on the rise, both in NC and in the
US. But, during that time, NC's adult obesity rate
has fallen from 113% to 105% of the national average.

•

Since
2000, NC's state obesity rankings have improved slightly
from 40th to 37th in the nation and from 4th to 3rd
in the region.

Relevance
(Why This Is Important) NC,
along with the rest of the nation, struggles with obesity. Encouraging
healthy lifestyles will improve overall health, reduce medical
and insurance costs and lead to an improved quality of life for
North Carolinians.

Other
Highlights

North
Carolina

•

In
2003, NC had the 33rd best (tie) adult obesity rate in
the US, but the 2nd best in the SE region (Source: United
Health Foundation).

•

From
1998 to 2003, the percent of low-income children aged 12-18
considered overweight increased from 23.5% to 26.5% (Source:
NC Department of Public Instruction).

•

There
is some good news. From 1998 to 2003, the percent of students
in grades 9-12 who reported exercising regularly (i.e.,
at least 20 minutes per day, three days a week) increased
from 55.3% to 61.2% (Source: NC Department of Public Instruction).

•

NC
was one of only 11 states in the US and two states in the
SE region awarded a B by the University of Baltimore for
its overall efforts to combat obesity (no states earned
an A).

Southeast
Region
• NC was one of two states in the region to
earn
a B for its efforts to address obesity (2003
University of Baltimore study).

National

•

NC was one of 11 states
to receive a B for its overall efforts to address obesity.
No states earned an A (2003 University of Baltimore study).

•

The obesity epidemic
is growing even among our youngest; since 1994, the percent
of children aged 2 to 5 who are overweight has increased
from 7% to 10% (Source: American Heart Association). One-third
of those at least 65 years old do not get any leisure time
physical activities and one fifth of older Americans are
obese (Source: CDCP and Merck Institute of Aging & Health).
Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity has increased in
all 50 states. Obesity is estimated to cost society 300,000
deaths and $117 billion per year (Source: Vermont).

•

Since 1990, the prevalence
of obesity has increased in all 50 states. Obesity is estimated
to cost society 300,000 deaths and $117 billion per year
(Source: Vermont).